Singular Figure in International Journalism, Haider Rivzi, is the Subject of New Feature Length Documentary “My Darling Comrade”

Independent filmmaker Douglas Smith stumbled upon the subject of his new documentary, Haider Rivzi, only a few blocks from his home. Haider, at the time, was a journalist working for the United Nations in New York, but had been homeless at the time of his encounter with Douglas. Upon learning that this highly positioned international journalist with relationships with many of the world’s premier diplomats was without a home, Douglas decided to share his story through filming him. So began “My Darling Comrade.”

Even after the untimely – and mysterious – death of his friend, Douglas remains committed to completing his documentary. He has recruited film producers Jorge Arzac and Thomas Moore to help create this documentary which will include interviews with Haider’s friends, family and colleagues in New York, Pakistan and London. The film will explore this fascinating life of a truly numinous human being who inspired and brightened the lives of all those he touched. The documentary will also include footage shot by Douglas prior to Haider’s return to Pakistan and his demise there.

Haider Rivzi began his journalism career with The Nationin the 1980s. He later worked with IPS South Asia during the early 1990s and eventually joined the IPS UN and Washington D.C. bureaus. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Journalism from Columbia University. He was a staunch supporter of justice and equality; he championed the causes of marginalized minorities and indigenous peoples. Haider often used his global voice to draw attention to the plight of the poor and forgotten, especially in developing countries.

Later in his career, Haider became disillusioned with the United Nations. He realized that the U.N. was increasingly following the interests of major corporate entities and ignoring the needs of the most desperate. He earned the ire of intelligence agencies in Pakistan, which denied him passports and identity papers. Just prior to his death, he obtained a visa and was able to return home.

This new documentary is more than an exercise in moviemaking for Douglas Smith and his team. This film is an important work that shines a spotlight on a truly singular figure in journalism. “My Darling Comrade” however, requires your assistance to be completed. Douglas has sponsored a fundraising campaign on Indiegogo to raise the $75,912 needed to pay for travel, crew salaries, post production and festival entry fees. In return for your generous support, you can receive valuable perks like a film download, a signed movie poster, film credits, DVD, or Executive Producer credit.